mineral
Milky Quartz
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide - SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to semi-translucent, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to semi-translucent, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and as a primary mineral in igneous rocks like granite. The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, as an abrasive, in electronics (piezoelectric properties), jewelry, and as a decorative stone in landscaping.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found in nature.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic greasy/waxy luster on broken surfaces. Very common in quartz veins in mountainous regions.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous